What are positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia?

What are positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia?

During the acute (active) phase of schizophrenia, children may show symptoms called positive, negative, and cognitive (thinking) symptoms.

Positive symptoms are psychotic behaviors. During psychosis, a person is not connected with reality. Positive symptoms may include:

• Delusions (false or erroneous beliefs; for instance, that people are plotting against the person)
• Hallucinations
• Movement disorders (unusual movements or behaviors)
• Thought disorders (unable to organize and control thinking)

Negative symptoms of childhood schizophrenia disrupt normal behaviors or emotions. Negative symptoms may include:

• Speaking infrequently or not at all
• Limited or no display of emotions
• Feeling no pleasure in everyday life
• Problems with starting or finishing activities
• Isolation (avoiding friends and relatives)

Cognitive symptoms of childhood schizophrenia reflect changes in thinking or memory. These symptoms may include:

• Being unable to understand information and make decisions
• Poor attention span
• Trouble focusing on a task